BUILDING DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

See photos of the project progress by using the "photos" link to the left.

See photos of the work out in Kagando by selecting Kagando to the left.

The picture above is an artist's impression of how the church will look after the alterations and was drawn by Cathy MacLennan.

The main proposals are intended to:

THE PROJECT

Over the past three or four years, we have been considering how to improve Trinity's buildings. The alterations will improve the prominence of the church's entrance, improve access for the disabled (to meet new legal requirements) and provide a chapel and improved kitchen facilities. Some details are included below and plans are available for inspection at the back of the sanctuary. These plans are the ones which Wokingham District Council scanned as part of the planning application process. Planning Permission was granted on 2nd December 2004.

Click here to see plans of the alterations. (pdf file)

Click here to see elevations of the alterations. (pdf file)

New Main Entrance

The current main entrance is not immediately apparent to many people visiting the church. The new entrance will be created in place of the window opposite the Halifax Bank, on the north east corner of the sanctuary, with a porch built out to the edge of the existing roof overhang. 

The new entrance will be lighter and more welcoming than the existing one and will be much more prominent. It will be a level entrance, providing easier access for those who have mobility difficulties, and will bring the building into compliance with current legislation.

A new vestibule will be created internally, with doors leading into the sanctuary and into the new chapel. 

North side entrance

The existing side entrance door, by the entrance to the Asda car park, leads onto a busy corridor, which can become congested with people going to and from the hall and sanctuary, as well as leaving the building and entering the storeroom. The external door will be moved outwards a couple of feet, with a small flat roof. This will make a wider corridor from the hall to the sanctuary, making movement easier, particularly for wheelchair access.

Chapel

The current vestibule will become a chapel, by extending the building out to the bottom of the entrance steps, with a new window in the wall. The existing timber and glass partition of the present vestibule will be removed and replaced with a new partition - this may be foldable to provide an overflow to the sanctuary for large services.

The chapel will be a place for quiet prayer and contemplation, an oasis of calm in a busy church and town.

Improved kitchen and toilets

A new, squarer kitchen will be provided in the space currently used for the Ladies' and Disabled Toilets, with a window looking over the Asda car park. The Gents' Toilet will become the Ladies', with the existing kitchen space being used for Gents' and Disabled Toilets.

Paying for the Scheme

The cost of the scheme will be around £230,000. 

We plan to raise most of this from within the Church by donations, pledges and events of various kinds. 

To Jan 2007 we have raised  £189,000.

We are also looking for grants and gifts from outside the congregation to make up the difference.

If you can help us with money, or by identifying sources of money we might be able to utilise, then you can contact us through the visitor's book or by writing to the Church, c/o Alex Robinson, Trinity Church, Chalfont Close, Earley, Reading, RG6 2HZ.

A Prayer for the Appeal

Please pray regularly for this next step of faith for Trinity Church.

Creator God,

We thank you for the vision of Trinity Church and for this Building Project.
As we redevelop the building in your name, may we become more prayerful, welcoming and hospitable people, committed in your name to your world.
Help us to pray continually also for your people throughout the world and for those churches and projects which we will support as part of this appeal.
We thank you for this opportunity to work together as members of your family.
We pray that your Spirit of love, joy and peace may be central to this project.
Give us the strength and the generosity of heart to take this step of faith for you.

Amen